Patients in waiting - experiences of hospital treatment pathways and how to change to ‘patients in preparation’ for treatment.

Healthwatch Sandwell  wanted to build upon national findings to explore what the backlog in NHS treatments means for Sandwell resident patients and consider what might improve the ‘patients in waiting’ experience. They engaged with Sandwell residents who were ‘patients in waiting’ for hospital treatment to hear about their experiences and any impacts of Covid-19 on their hospital treatment pathways. 

 Patients told HWS that there was room for improvement and shared views on what services could help make waiting for treatment a better experience. This report reflects the project findings alongside patients voices and views.